Meet our Staff!

Mary E. Ewing serves as Executive Director for Access to Independence. Mary is responsible for the overall management of the agency including staffing, budgeting and programming; advocacy and systems change activities; and representing the agency on the local, state and national level. Mary works in concert with the Board of Directors to implement strategic plans, policies and programming that are consistent with the agency's mission, vision and values.

Chad W. Underwood serves as Chief Operating Officer for Access to Independence. Chad is responsible for the development, design, operation and improvement of the agency’s financial and operating systems, including bookkeeping, fund development, information management and technology infrastructure. Chad also oversees the ATI Youth Transition, Work Readiness and Systems Advocacy programs.

Susan Lewis serves as Independent Living Coordinator for Access to Independence. Sue provides independent living skills training and peer counseling to consumers one-on-one and in class settings. Sue is a Certified Benefits Counselor and manages the agency’s work relating to nursing facility transitions and diversions. Sue also provides operations support for the management of consumer data.

Fran Pizzola serves as Community Education Coordinator for Access to Independence. Fran develops, coordinates and presents educational and outreach programs about disability issues to diverse audiences. Fran provides independent living counseling to consumers with disabilities, their families, and others throughout the community. Fran is the agency’s founding volunteer director.

Rob Ferri serves as Architectural Barrier Program Coordinator for Access Independence. Rob coordinates the Access to Independence ramp and environmental modification programs. Rob provides services through the DHCR Access to Home program, the DDSO, the TBI and NHTD Medicaid Waiver programs and a variety of other small grant programs. Rob regularly performs accessibility barrier consultations and ADA assessments for individuals and businesses throughout the community.

Aaron Baier serves as Youth Transition / Work Readiness / Housing Advocacy Coordinator for Access to Independence. In addition to handling much of the day-to-day operations of the Peer Mentoring and Youth Transition programs, Aaron conducts outreach presentations throughout the community and collaborates with other agencies to provide employment and vocational services to consumers.

Sharon Radley  serves as Service  Coordinator and Independent Living Skills Trainer for the Access to Independence  Nursing Home Transition & Diversion (NHTD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medicaid Waiver programs. Sharon assists people in obtaining and coordinating services that are necessary in order to return to or remain as independent as possible in their own communities.

Kim Christie serves as Receptionist for Access to Independence. Kim provides front-line consumer support to those that call the agency or come in for an event or visit with staff. Kim provides behind-the-scenes administrative and operations support. Kim is also instrumental in providing program assistance of all kinds.